Recycled word art for your wall

I decided to take a break from big projects and focus on something less intimidating.  I love word art, and there is nothing better than recycled word art!

Before I started on this crazy "open my own store" journey, I worked for a carpet and flooring store in North Canton.  Whenever certain styles were discontinued, I was tasked with removing the sample boards from the showroom displays.  At first I took them straight to the Dumpster.  But after a while, I realized things were discontinued pretty often.   The hardwood floor samples were gorgeous, and it just didn't seem right tossing them all the time.  So I started to hoard them instead.

I didn't know what I would do with them, but I knew they had more life to live.

I recently used one of the samples to create a top for an old Singer sewing machine stand and as a base for some cork art I created (see pictures).

The samples themselves are a good size and can be cut down if necessary.

For this project, I started with some chipboard letters I had on hand that were bought at the craft store.  Plastic stencils would work as well, this is just what I hand on hand.

At first I was stumped on what I wanted to spell.  Ever since I was a teenager, I've been a collector of inspiring quotes.  I wanted this to be something you would look at everyday as a sort of self motto.  So I kept it simple.  "BELIEVE IN YOURSELF". 

I laid out the letters, choosing different styles and sizes to give it interest.

I used Frog Tape to keep the lines straight, and then traced around the letters with a black Sharpie.

Once all the letters were traced, I used a small craft paint brush and started painting in the letters with white paint.  This took two coats.

I decided to change it up a bit from just all white letters, though.  I've seen this quote displayed before, but they paint the BE in Believe and the YOU in Yourself a different color than the rest.  It kind of creates two inspiring reminders in one.  So I painted the two parts in one of my favorite blue paints I had on hand.

I love how subtle it is.  The beauty of the handscraped wood is warm and rich, while the light letters really pop out.  It doesn't take much for art to have an impact.  I think that no matter where you hang this, it will be a constant reminder to have faith in yourself, but to remain true to yourself at the same time.  

I had posted via Facebook for your favorite simple quotes and received some great responses!  Give me more!!  What are your favorite quotes, Cuyahoga Falls??  This was just my first go-around, but I have plenty more boards to use.  Have a favorite quote you want displayed in your own home?  Contact me for a custom piece of art - there are several colors of wood to choose from!  By the way, BElieve In YOUrself is available for sale. :)

J. Paris Designs

1835 4th St

Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221

(Between Falls & Sackett Ave)

330.808.4270